ZTE Axon 30S

Overview & Display

The ZTE Axon 30S is a feature-packed 5G smartphone that brings premium technology to users seeking a well-rounded mobile experience. At the heart of the device is a expansive 6.92-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels, delivering crisp visuals at approximately 400 pixels per inch. The screen supports one billion colors and features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for immersive gaming, media consumption, and everyday navigation. Corning Gorilla Glass protects the front display, adding a layer of durability against everyday scratches and minor impacts. With a screen-to-body ratio of around 80.8 percent, the device offers an expansive viewing area within a body measuring 170.2 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and weighing just 189 grams, making it comfortable to hold despite the large display. Powering the Axon 30S is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset built on a 7nm process, paired with an octa-core CPU featuring clock speeds up to 3.2 GHz and an Adreno 650 GPU. This combination delivers strong performance across multitasking, gaming, and productivity applications. The phone runs on Android 12 with ZTE's MyOS 12 interface, offering a clean and customizable user experience. Memory configurations include 128GB of storage with 8GB of RAM or 256GB of storage with 12GB of RAM, both utilizing UFS 3.1 technology for fast data access. A microSDXC card slot is available through a shared SIM slot for additional storage expansion. Connectivity is comprehensive, with support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.0 with OTG functionality.

Camera & Battery

The ZTE Axon 30S features a versatile quad-camera system on the rear, headlined by a 64-megapixel primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and phase detection autofocus. This main lens captures detailed, sharp images in various lighting conditions and is complemented by an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view, perfect for landscapes and group shots. A 5-megapixel macro lens allows for close-up photography, while an auxiliary lens rounds out the quad setup. The camera system supports 4K video recording at both 30 and 60 frames per second, as well as 1080p at 30fps, with gyro-based electronic image stabilization, HDR, and 10-bit video recording for rich color depth. Additional camera features include a dual-LED flash, HDR mode, and panorama shooting. On the front, the Axon 30S employs an innovative under-display 16-megapixel selfie camera with an f/2.5 wide lens, allowing for a clean, uninterrupted display surface without notches or punch holes. The front camera supports 1080p video recording at 30fps and includes HDR functionality for improved selfie quality. Powering the device is a 4200mAh lithium-ion battery that supports 55W wired fast charging with Power Delivery and Quick Charge 4 compatibility, enabling quick top-ups to keep users connected throughout the day. The phone also features 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio through its loudspeaker, delivering high-quality sound for music and media, though it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. Security features include an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, along with accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, and compass sensors.

Who Should Buy This

The ZTE Axon 30S is an excellent choice for users who prioritize a large, immersive display with a clean, uninterrupted viewing experience thanks to its under-display selfie camera technology. Mobile gamers will appreciate the 120Hz AMOLED screen paired with the Snapdragon 870 5G chipset and Adreno 650 GPU, which together deliver smooth, responsive gameplay and efficient thermal management. Content creators and photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera setup with 4K video recording capabilities and an ultrawide lens will find the quad-camera system well-suited to their needs. The device is also ideal for power users who require strong multitasking performance, particularly in the 256GB and 12GB RAM configuration, which provides ample headroom for demanding applications and heavy workloads. Frequent travelers and professionals who need broad network compatibility will benefit from the comprehensive 5G support across multiple bands, dual SIM functionality, and global positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS. Users who value fast charging will appreciate the 55W wired charging support, which minimizes downtime. However, buyers who prefer premium build materials such as metal frames or glass backs may find the plastic construction less appealing, and those who rely on wired headphones may be disappointed by the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack. Overall, the Axon 30S is best suited for tech-savvy users seeking flagship-level display technology and solid performance at a competitive feature set.

Pros

• Large 6.92-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and one billion colors
• Under-display selfie camera provides a clean, uninterrupted screen experience
• Snapdragon 870 5G chipset delivers strong and efficient performance
• Quad-camera system with 64MP main sensor and 4K video recording support
• 55W fast charging with a 4200mAh battery for quick power top-ups

Cons

• Plastic back and frame feel less premium compared to glass or metal builds
• No 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio connectivity
• microSDXC slot uses a shared SIM slot, limiting dual SIM and expandable storage simultaneously
• Battery capacity of 4200mAh is relatively modest for a device with a large 6.92-inch display

Verdict

The ZTE Axon 30S stands out with its impressive under-display camera technology, large 120Hz AMOLED display, and solid Snapdragon 870 5G performance, making it a compelling option for users seeking a near-flagship experience. While the plastic build and modest battery capacity are notable trade-offs, the overall package of features, camera versatility, and fast charging makes it a well-rounded smartphone worth considering.